Long Yifan's smirk didn't falter, but there was a flicker of something unreadable in his gaze.
He twirled the black card between his fingers before sliding it back into his pocket.
"Gu Aihan was nothing to me," he said, his voice steady.
"Gu Jin is my future. I won't make the same mistake twice."
Gu Jichun crossed her arms, still skeptical.
"Words are easy, Long Yifan. But actions? You already lost her once. Why should I believe you won't let her slip through your fingers again?"
Long Yifan's jaw tightened.
"Because this time, I'm prepared to fight for her." His gaze darkened with determination. "Even if it takes everything I have."
Gu Jichun studied him for a long moment before finally sighing.
"Fine. You want my help? Earn it. Right now, you're still just a man who once rejected my sister. Until you prove your worth, I have no reason to believe you won't fail again."
Long Yifan exhaled slowly. "Fair enough."